Bengal Danio

The Bengal danio is a laterally compressed, deep-bodied species common in the large river basins of South Asia. The front half of its silvery-olive body bears short, blue-gray vertical bars, while the rear half has blue and yellow horizontal stripes running all the way to the tail. It grows to about 10 cm. It adapts to a wide range of temperature and hardness and is very hardy; however, because of its size and speed it is not suitable for small aquariums.

• At least 160 liters and 100 cm in length for a school of 6–8.
• 20–25°C, pH 6.5–8, moderately hard to hard water.
• Moderate to strong current and high oxygen; a layout with the middle and top left open.
• An excellent jumper; a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Omnivorous with a good appetite. Use flakes and granules as the staple; vary the diet with frozen mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and bloodworms. It hunts dwarf shrimp, fish fry and very small fish that fit in its mouth.

Peaceful but very active and fast. As a school it moves through the upper layer; its restlessness can stress slow species.

Good companions: giant danios, barbs, rainbowfish, loaches, large corydoras species, not-too-aggressive medium-sized cichlids.

Avoid: dwarf shrimp, very small fish, bettas and long-finned species, slow and shy fish.